The Libyan leader, Colonel Ghadafi, has proposed the deployment of an African intervention force on the disputed border between Ethiopia and Eritrea.

Libyan television said Colonel Ghadafi had sent a message to the Ethiopian and Eritrean presidents, in which he proposed sending troops from the Community of Sahel-Saharan States, or Comessa.

It said he had also asked an official from Comessa to travel to the area and put the proposal to the two leaders.

Ethiopia and Eritrea accused each other last month of invading their territory, and massed troops and tanks on either side of the border.